PHOENIX -- The Arizona Automatic Merchandising Council will hold a legislative breakfast in conjunction with its next board of directors meeting on Feb. 21. The event will be held at Tom's Tavern at 2 N. Central Ave. here; the breakfast will begin at 7:30 a.m.

Guest speaker at the function will be Rep. Rick Gray (R-District 21), majority whip of the Arizona House of Representatives. Gray will bring AAMC members up to date on efforts to simplify Arizona's sales tax system, which too often requires small businesses to make multiple payments -- in the worst case, to a municipal, a county and the state government -- and subjects them to multiple tax audits.

AAMC recalls that Gov. Jan Brewer, in her annual State of the State message, described this system as "an accountant's dream, but a business owner's nightmare." Many states have a more straightforward collection mechanism, and work is under way to bring one to Arizona, too.

The association, which is hosting the breakfast, notes that there is room for only 25 participants, so reservations will be made on a first-come, first-served basis. Those wishing to attend should call Tommy Elliott, Tomdra Vending & Coffee Service (Tucson), at (520) 887-0155 not later than Feb. 8.

Information on the AAMC's legislative agenda may be requested from Elaine Arena of Arena Government Communications (Scottsdale) at (480) 860-2727.